Beef-eating row: Prof. B.P. Mahesh Chandra Guru clarifies

Sir,

I have read your newspaper report dated June 28, 2017 which states that Shobha Karandlaje, Member of Parliament, has urged the Governor of Karnataka to sack me for abusing the Prime Minister and violating conduct and civil service rules. As a matter of fact, her letter reveals that I was the brain behind organising the controversial beef-eating event at Kalamandira in Mysuru on June 25 in a seminar on ‘Food culture and individual freedom.’

This programme was organised by Charvaka Cultural Foundation, Mysuru. I was only invited as a guest of honour to share my views on the subject concerned. I have nothing to do with that programme as an organiser.

I too had consumed beef meat during that occasion since there is no ban on eating beef constitutionally and legally in India. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food has been served in the Bahuroopi theatre festival, national seminar and international seminar in the same Kalamandira since beginning. Many of us have eaten non-vegetarian food over there several times in the past as a matter of hospitality management. This point raised by her in the letter is totally false and motivated.

Secondly, the letter also states that I had criticised and abused the Prime Minister and violated the conduct and civil service rules. I had stated that the Prime Minister has not contributed adequately for the empowerment of women and weaker sections during the last three years.

I had made comments by using the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Article 19-1-A. That lady does not know the basic difference between analysis and abuse. I had made only political analysis as a media scholar and social activist.

I submit that your newspaper should have obtained my view on this subject and presented both the sides of the story. I have not done anything wrong which warrants any disciplinary action by the Governor of Karnataka.

– Prof. B.P. Mahesh Chandra Guru  Dept. of Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication, Manasagangothri, 28.6.2017

Note: You were not available to our reporter to get your view.—Ed

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